St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1887-03-06
TOMS SECRET.
-Harper's Bazaar.

N1~- ~ SAlS1siis
Bell Vaughn was the daughter of Hal
bert Trevanion's old college chum, who died
III India and left her to his care Tom Ire
vanon, his nephew, had just returned from
abroad. He had fallen in love with his
uncle'S ward and promised wife, but she
snubbed him on every occasion.
Bell had promised to be Halbert Trevan-
ions wife through gratitude. because she
was lonely and desolate, as he had said, and
knew not till too late that life would bring
any other love.
That she had learned to love this hand
some Tom TrevaniOn was a fixed fact.
How or when the love crept into her heart
she could not have told, but she knew to
her sorrow that it was there. She had
thought to put it away from her, to forget
the manly, tender face, but she found
her own heart a rebel All she could do
was to keep the sad secret from the eyes
OF Tom and his uncle. She never en-
tered the study now, so they met only at
meals.
She went down one night in the twilight
to the almost unused library. The street
lamps were lighting. and she stood with her
face pressed against the window-pane,
watching the little lamp boy as he went his
rounds. 1t was wan, pitiful face and
Tom Trevanion. coming up softly behind
her. looked upon it and longed to gather
it to his breast. "Oh, if it was
any one but brave old Uncle Hal
that loved her he would-he would-but
this was dshonor." The closed eyes saw
nothing but heart-picture she was looking
at, so Tom could gaze his fill at the sad
face. The tired eyes Enclosed suddenly,
and she looked UP to see that splendid face
bending over her with an expression she
could not misunderstood.
There was perfect silence for many min
utes. Tom stood with folded arms and
tight-shut lips. What could he say that
would not be dishonor? Bell made a move
ment as though she We're going to leave the
room.
Bell, am going away tomorrow. l
leave on Monday for Europe"
He led her to chair and pressing one
kiss upon her pale lips staggered almost
blindly from the room. 1t was fearful
storm of feeling, requiring all his love for
his brave old uncle, ali his honorable feel
lngs, to prevent him rushing back and
claiming Isabel. That he had no right to
do he knew. save by the passionate love he
bore her. Two hours later he entered his
uncle's study. The old man sat smoking
with closed eyes.
Get your pipe, Tom. and let us have a
good time
Il cannot, uncle; 1 am not well tonight.
Uncle Halbert l sail for Europe on Mon
day, and l have come to say goodbye to-
night. l must go to Norwich to-morro w. :"
is the boy mad? What in the name of
common sense would take you off again?
Why, Tom, you are i'll! What is it, boy?"
IN o matter, uncle"
Tom. l am the only father you have
ever known. l command you, by a fathers
right to tell me what it means. Are you
i'll debt, my boy? If so, speak it out; if it
is 81, 900 will pay it-anything rather
than have you leave me-"
Uncle don't press me; just let me go
quietly. l give you my word-the word of
Trevanion, which never was broken
that kind. 1t is only private matter of
my own
Il must know it. Tom"
Uncle, it will grieve you."
mo matter. boy" The old man rose
and put his arm affectionately on Toms
shoulder. Come. boy, out with it,
Uncle, / love Isabel Vaughn. 1t is be-
cause of her l am leaving America. 1t is
all can do. | fought against it long,
uncle; but, God help me. my love was
stronger than my Will"
Does Isabel love you?"
Il have never asked her, uncle"
sit down here minute. Tom, while l
go to my chamber. You must have funds
to go to Europe on"
Mr.. Trevanon went straight to IsabeIs
room. He knocked softly.
Isabel. want to speak to you just one
moment"
She came to the door, surprised at this
unusual proceeding. but too wretched to
care much.
Isabel, would you just as leave m AIRY
Tom as me?"
1t was startling question. Isabel would
have fallen had not her guardian caught
her in his arms
You see, Isabel, the foolish fellow has
fallen in love with you, and as he is too
honest to steal you away from me he is de-
termined to be off to Europe again. Tom IS
my only sisters child and if you could love
him. Isabel, /"
The old, saucy look came back to Isabers
eyes.
Il will try, guardy."
''Then come with me''
He led her eXcitedly along the hall. and,
entering the study, said: Here Tom, I'll
forego my claim if you can make it all right
with Isabel. L could not see you 90, my
boy"
By mutual consent the knowledge of their
mutual love was kept from Uncle Halbert,
and he thinks to this day that Isabel mar
ried Tom to please him.